New Smartphone App Assists In Tracking Loved Ones

Mobile phone applications are some of the brightest new stars of the digital media world. From news media to travel, there's an "app for that." While the industry is still in its infancy, some of the most important applications may prove to be those that provide value in the healthcare arena. An app-to-watch just may, in fact, become a lifesaver.

Technology company Iconosys has just released Tell My Geo, a smart phone app that is an emergency alerter/locator for people living with Alzheimer’s Disease. The application can locate or track an Alzheimer's patient or any other adult or child (the “Cared-For” user) with the touch of a single button on the Care Provider's Smart phone for ultimate convenience. Messages can be sent to the Cared-For’s phone using a special code that is picked up and responded to, delivering the exact location of the Cared-For. The Cared-For’s phone is enabled with large-type “Where Am I?”, “Send Location”, "Call For Help" buttons that are made particularly accessible for the Cared-For user. Critical medical information is also stored in the phone and accessible by emergency personnel at a single click.

The heart of the Iconosys mission is a commitment to developing a series of technologies designed to make mobile applications better, faster, easier, and ultimately safer to use. Among their many products, Iconosys also developed SMS Replier™, a mobile phone application designed to address the problem of communicating safely while driving and providing an anxiety-relieving app solution for the new generation of self-admitted, chronically addicted mobile application and device users. Iconosys' CEO Wayne Irving, a pioneer in next-generation telecom concepts, has led the drive to take advantage of WiFi and other technologies to build lifesaving and life-enhancing products, and to create new and better tools for wireless platforms and operating systems.

Iconosys' product may be of particular interest for the African-American market because The Alzheimer's Association has noted somewhat alarming statistics regarding people of color and this disease. The most significant new information coming from the organization's most recent report: African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer's than whites, and Hispanics are about 1.5 times more likely than whites to develop the disease.

"Although there appears to be no known genetic factor for these differences, the report examines the impact of health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, conditions that are prevalent in the African-American and Hispanic communities and how these conditions also increase Alzheimer risk," says a spokesperson for the organization. "Another interesting aspect explored is the fact that although African-Americans and Hispanics have a higher rate of Alzheimer's than whites have to Alzheimer's and dementia, they are less likely than whites to have a diagnosis."

Armed with increased knowledge and tools, one can navigate health concerns in a more effective manner.

Available in both English and Spanish, Tell My Geo has a subscriber fee of $9.95 per month.